Dave1377

Hey all,
Brand new 2012 Mazda3 iTouring 5door with 75 miles. I notice if I drive before Engine Coolant Light goes off, at my first few stops, feels like a gear/something slipping upon braking. Temps have been 15-30 degrees. When light goes off, this hasn't occcured.
Anyone else have this? I normally let it warm-up 2-3 minutes before driving and it says I can drive with the light on so not sure what this is.
Thanks = Dave

Dave1377

I guess it's just me? More info, I have the A/T and it's more like the TCS (traction control) slipping then the gears. Just that little spot as I come to a stop. Doesn't happen once fully warmed up.
I will track this a bit maybe it will "break-in". Only have 150 miles.

SkyactiVirginia

I've experienced the same "slipping " you've described. I'm not quite sure what it is exactly, but it doesn't happen once the car is warmed up just like you explained. It doesn't seem/feel like a gear issue to me. So, maybe this is considered normal...?

djs2571

"feels like a gear/something slipping upon braking"
You mean that the vehicle slows down unevenly? like if it was a manual using engine braking to slow down and a gear was skipping teeth.
Or could it be something like ABS coming active - you mentioned the TCS, though if you're breaking this shouldn't be the case.

I'm not familiar with the engine coolant light, but it seems odd that it would illuminate when the engine is cold for more than a few seconds during crank. Is it just telling you not to accelerate hard when the engine is cold?

Dave1377

Guys,
Thanks for replying. Yah, the manual says it will stay on until the engine is warmed up but the quick-start guide indicates I can drive it even while the light is on. I usually let it warm 3 minutes but it takes 5-6 for light to go off. Mostly been in the 30s in AM. Doesnt happen after work when same light is on.
At my first few stops (doesn't happen if I 'roll' through the intersections) it happen.
No slipping or sliding, hard to figure out exactly what I feel. I'm now leaning towards the fuel mixture/gas like an engine studder?
Been trying to ignore it, I know I have a while under the Lemon Law, but was hoping someone else had this same issue and found a resolution.
This weekend I will wait until light is off before driving away to see if still happens.
Will post if I learn more.
Dave

SkyactiVirginia

It does feel more like it's coming from the brakes in my case. It doesn't feel like anything to do with the engine. Maybe we're talking about something different. IDK?

Dave1377

Yes. Definately in the brakes that I feel it, but thinking it may be a surge in the engine as you brake? Will try again tomorrow.

Dave1377

Well, it didn't happen for two days then came back. I'm inclined to think it has something to do with the engine surging which would affect the brakes. A little 'stutter' of some kind as I come to a complete stop.
Not a mechanic, don't know car 'terms'. Sorry.
I'll see how it goes in the next few weeks.
Thanks for posting.
D